3… 2… 1…
…and we’re back!
A lot of personal things happened in November that affected my ability to post. However, December is here, and it’s time to get down to business once again.
So today I’d like to talk about a very important concept as we head into the holiday season: keeping Christ in Christmas. Clever catchphrase eh? But it’s most important, and it’s something that our culture doesn’t always make the centerpiece of the holiday.
No, Santa Claus is not sacreligious, and neither are lights, snow, candy canes, stocking, or presents. But our culture doesn’t pay that much attention to the meaning behind Christmas – Jesus’ birth. And that’s why we give gifts and celebrate.
So this holiday season, as your hanging up your decorations and having a nice, warm cup of hot chocolate, remember the meaning behind Christmas and the gift that mankind was given over 2,000 years ago.
Thanks for reading,
- Josh
written by Josh
‘God Hates Fags.’ Did you know that that’s a biblical principle? Haha, no; I didn’t either.
Try telling that to the overzealous members of the ‘church’ known as ‘Westboro Baptist,’ pictured below.
 In case you didn’t know, ‘fag’ is a slang term, meaning ‘homosexual.’ It originated as a term of a young male servant, somehow evolved to mean ‘cigarette,’ and now it means ‘homosexual.’ Who wudda thunk it?
Seriously, though – this ‘church,’ Westboro Baptist, has made it their mission in life to spread hate and malice towards other people. Not only do they protest anything homosexual, but they protest and picket funerals of fallen American soldiers, claiming their death was a blessing from God, and they they deserve death. Oh, and they hate ‘Fag Enablers,’ whatever them means. Maybe it’s someone that doesn’t go out and stone gay people? Not sure.
What I do know is this; these people are not Christians. Not that they’re getting it wrong, or they are ‘confused’ Christians; they just don’t know Jesus at all. This is evident by their actions.
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:35
Our love will PROVE to the world who we are. Gosh, makes you think doesn’t it? Unloving Christians have become such a majority that now it’s the norm – it’s how the world looks at Christians. Unloving. Hateful. Indifferent. Uncaring. Hypocritical. Know what the sad thing is? THEY’RE CORRECT!
How many Christians do you know would fit in perfectly with Westboro Baptist? How many Christians do you know would rather sing hymns about how holy they are rather then show an ounce of kindness to a Non-Christian? That’s a doozy, isn’t it? Jesus called us to make disciples of all nations, not to obsess over each other; our brothers and sisters in Christ. He called us to LOVE. Why? Because that would prove to the world who we were, and who we belonged to.
So, go about your day thinking of that. Do you love others the way Christ did? Love is a lifestyle, it’s not an act of kindness or a signup sheet for a charity. So, ask yourself that again; do YOU love?
Thanks for reading!
written by Matt
\\ tags: Disciples, Great Commission, Jesus, Kindness, Love, World
 When we give our hearts and our lives to Christ, we allow Him to come into our lives and change them. When this happens, we also let Him guide us and take control of our lives, letting Him take the lead. And then there’s a next step: we let our actions and deeds follow His ways.
However, that last step is not as popular as the first two – but it should be! Not to be confused with sinning, but after choosing to follow God, how many times do we shun those who walk into soup kitchens, because they are truly poor and homeless? How many times to we choose to sit down and not stand up for the Bible or for what God wants, because we don’t want to “make waves” with other people?
3We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love[a] is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
- 1 John 2:3-6
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
- Colossians 2:2-7
Christians not acting like Christians is like a rock star being shy – it’s unnatural, right?
written by Josh
Dance like no one is looking, sing like no one can hear, love like you’ve never hurt before, live like there’s nothing to fear.
Those are some very inspiring, motivating song lyrics by Newsboys. And in all honesty, why shouldn’t we live like that? And when you’re a Christian, sometimes you can’t care about what others think of you. If you care about what others think of you all the time, won’t it eventually start conflicting with your lifestyle?
Small, but simple for today - what really matters? It doesn’t matter what your atheist, punk coworker thinks about you and your lifestyle, but rather what God thinks – because His opinion is what truly matters, and is the only one that does.
So dance like no one is looking and sing like no one can hear! Do God’s work and live your life according to Him – because it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
written by Amy
 Your house is on the verge of foreclosure. Your employer told you today the company will start doing some layoffs starting next month, and unfortunately you’re one of them. Your car is still in the shop, and you have a strong feeling that the mechanic is doing more harm than good. You just now remembered you forgot to feed the dog before you left the house. And on top of all that, it’s raining outside.
Yeah.
I know we all go through times like this in life, and they can be really hard. How are you going to deal with all this stress?! What’s all out there? Who are you going to listen to? Some people might recommend eating more food – lots more. Others may suggest to try smoking. The guy down the street may tell you to throw your hands up and file bankruptcy. There are so many influences out there – who should we really be listening to?
None other than God, of course!
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
- Exodus 33:14
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
- Psalm 9:9-10
Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
- Psalm 37:3-5, 7a
It’s important to tune into God’s Word. In times of high stress and trouble, listen to Him, and only Him – be careful of negative influences out there, because there are many. Keep your eyes on God, and He won’t steer you wrong!
written by Josh
\\ tags: control, Exodus, God, Jesus, life, Psalm, stress, trust
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